Over 24m Brits don’t brush their teeth daily

Four in 10 Brits are still not brushing their teeth at least once a day yet admit to being too self-conscious to show their teeth according to new research released today.

Brits aged between 26-34 were the worst at caring for their teeth, with over half not brushing at least once a day (50.87%) whilst the most conscious ‘brushers’ are the over 55 age group (68%).

The three regions with the best oral hygiene and the lowest number who don’t brush at least once a day were the North East (23%), South East (33%) and East Anglia (37%).

The research of 2,000 UK adults was conducted to find out Brits’ feelings towards teeth, not just their own but also those of other people. Nearly a quarter (23%) admit to be ashamed of their own teeth, with 40% admitting they would never show their teeth whilst smiling and 41% feeling too self-conscious to show their teeth in a photograph. One in 10 (10%) admitted to never showing their teeth in any photo.

Dr George Sotiropoulous, Head of Dental Research from White Glo, commented: “The research is part of a wider research project we are conducting in the UK, so we were really shocked to find that so many Brits are not taking their oral hygiene seriously.

“Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is important to keep teeth and gums healthy. Even if you only brush your teeth once a day, it should be at night to ensure food debris is removed from the day.”

Discolouration, which can be caused by smoking, coffee, tea and other strongly coloured foods and drinks was the biggest concern, with a third (33%) admitting that they noticed discoloured teeth on others and nearly a quarter (23%) admitting that they are concerned about the colour of their own teeth, according to the research.

Dr Sotiropoulous added: “Programmes such as TOWIE and celebrities like Simon Cowell and Rylan Clark have caused an increased awareness of the importance of having a bright, white smile.

“Using a low abrasion, daily whitening toothpaste is a safe way to gently return teeth to their former glory and lift the teeth a few shades whiter. The important thing is to ensure you brush your teeth at least once in the morning and once at night.”

For more information about maintaining a clean and healthy, white smile visit www.whiteglo.com